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The Laurel Highlands Councils operates a variety of camping facilities and programs for youth and their families throughout 15 districts in the Western Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia regions.

Experience the Outdoors

Organized camping is a creative, educational experience in cooperative group living in the outdoors. It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.

Youth Protection

Resources

Youth Protection

Youth Protection Begins with YOU!

Scouting is a place where young people can come together for fun in a safe environment. We take this seriously! The Boy Scouts of America and the State of Pennsylvania have strict requirements when working with youth. Background clearances required by Pennsylvania law are good for five years.

To serve as a registered adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America, you are required to do the following:

Go to www.my.scouting.org and take Youth Protection Training. Once you have completed the training, please print out the certificate and attach it to your application. You are required to complete this training every two years.

Successfully complete the mandatory PA Clearance checks.

Updated Youth Protection Training

Over the past 108 years, the Boy Scouts of America have instilled the values of the Scout Oath and Law in millions of youth, preparing them to make ethical decisions while facilitating a secure environment for their development. Safe Scouting practices and youth protection are at the heart of the Boy Scouts of America and the Laurel Highlands Council’s mission.

In order to continue providing a safe and secure environment for today’s youth, the Boy Scouts of America have developed a new version of the Youth Protection Training program taken by all volunteer and staff. The new training, which is fully supported and endorsed by the Laurel Highlands Council, launched to the public this month. All leaders are required to complete the new YPT2 by October 1, 2018.

Here are three things you need to know about the launch of the new YPT2:

1. What is Youth Protection Training 2 (YPT2)?

Youth Protection Training 2 (YPT2) is the new youth protection training for the Boy Scouts of America that covers all programs within the Boy Scouts of America. YPT2 is a comprehensive training that covers a variety of best practices for preventing, identifying and dealing with abuse.

2. Who is required to be YPT2 trained?

All registered adult leaders and volunteers and any adult who will attend an activity that lasts 72 hours or longer. All Boy Scouts of America employees. All registered adults must also obtain their Pennsylvania State Background Clearances.

3. How do I complete YPT2 training?

YPT2 can be accessed by logging into my.scouting.org. Once logged in, click on the youth protection logo and continue to follow the prompts until the training begins. YPT2 includes three learning modules followed by a 25-question assessment; total time to complete is 60-75 minutes.

Mandated Reporting

Every adult, regardless if you are a parent, a registered leader, or a volunteer, is a Mandated Reporter. If you suspect abuse, report it. If you hear something that could be abuse, report it. If someone tells you they were abused, report it.

If you suspect or know of abuse but don’t report it, you are liable and be charged a large fine or go to jail. Any person making a good faith report is protected.

Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

Trained specialists are available 24/7 to receive referrals of suspected child abuse and general child well-being concerns. Mandated reporters are certain adults, who are legally required to report suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse. The law requires that the mandated reporter identify themselves and where they can be reached. In addition to having documentation that the report was made, this information is also helpful so that if clarification on the situation or additional information is needed, the children and youth caseworker can contact the mandated reporter.

Mandated reporters may report by telephone or electronically through the Child Welfare Portal. In addition, permissive reporters are individuals who are encouraged to report suspected child abuse, although not required by law. Permissive reporters can make a report at any time they suspect a child is the victim of child abuse. Permissive reporters may report anonymously. Permissive reporters can report by telephone by calling 1-800-932-0313.

Once you have made your report, please contact the Scout executive at 412-471-2927 and provide her with the report number and/or person you talked to. This will allow her to take additional steps that Scouting requires.

Thank you for your dedication to protect our youth.

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check

Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check

The previous FBI fingerprint-based background check vendor, Cogent, will no longer be providing the FBI fingerprinting online services for the PA state clearance requirements. Volunteers needing to obtain the FBI fingerprint-based background check should begin the process by visiting Idemia’s website and then follow the steps below.

Click on Locate an Enrollment Center first to find the location for providing your fingerprints that is closest to you, this is a resource to find the closest location to you only. The company is continuing to add new fingerprinting locations.

Click on Schedule or Manage Appointment.

Follow the prompts for completing the required information and printing the registration form to take to the fingerprinting location.

This is required for those who have lived in Pennsylvania less than 10 years.